Jannik Sinner talks about the absence of Alcaraz and Djokovic at the Madrid Open.

Jannik Sinner faces an unprecedented scenario at the Madrid Masters: the absence of giants Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic makes the tournament “quite unique,” but the Italian is not intimidated and promises to fight against all challenges that arise on the path to the title.

After an impressive dominance in recent months, with four consecutive ATP 1000 titles—including victories in Indian Wells, Miami, and Monte Carlo—Sinner is about to attempt a historic feat: becoming the first player to win five Masters 1000 titles in a row. The Italian arrives in the Spanish capital as the clear favorite, not only for being the top seed and world number one but also because his two biggest rivals will not be competing.

Carlos Alcaraz, a two-time champion in Madrid, is out of the running due to a wrist injury that could also sideline him from the Rome Masters and the French Open. Novak Djokovic, on the other hand, hardly comments on his absence, leaving doubts about his physical condition and the possibility of a short-term return.

Sinner, who will begin his campaign in the tournament against Benjamin Bonzi or Titouan Droguet, spoke about this atypical situation: “When they are not in the draw, the situation is quite unique. We have shared many tournaments, but if I want to play against Carlos, it will only be in the final. The road to that point is long, and anything can happen.”

The young Italian shows total focus on the present and maintains humility, aware of the obstacles that await him: “I take one day at a time, with many challenges ahead, starting with my first match against a qualified opponent who will already have some matches under their belt. I have to try to understand how to play on this surface and in Madrid.”

Despite the absences that mark this tournament, the Madrid Masters continues to be a stage for high competition. Since his defeat in the quarter-finals of the Qatar Open in February, Sinner has amassed 17 consecutive victories, a record that puts him in impressive form for this challenge. The Italian, who was not present in Madrid last year due to a suspension and had to withdraw this year due to injury, assures that he is recovered and ready to fight for the title in 2025.

“I’m feeling very good. Right now we’re trying to prepare ourselves in the best way possible. The plan is to play and compete at the highest level. I will take everything one day at a time,” Sinner stated, who already has Roland Garros in his sights: “I have the challenge of Roland Garros in mind and I will try to arrive there in great shape. I’m here to give my best.”

The Madrid Masters promises to be an exciting edition, with Jannik Sinner trying to write a new chapter in the history of tennis, taking advantage of the absence of his rivals to cement his position at the top of the world circuit. The battle is on, and the Italian is more than ready for the fight.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.